Important News - 2025-07-21
21 July 2025
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Politics (5)
Nagaland Students’ Body Warns of Influx Due to Assam Evictions; Manipur Seeks Dismantling of SoO Camps
A students’ body in Nagaland, the Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU), has expressed deep concern over the ongoing eviction drives in Assam, which have displaced over 50,000 people, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, since June 2025. The WSSU warned that these evictions could lead to an influx of alleged illegal immigrants into Nagaland, posing a threat to the state’s territorial integrity and the safety of its border communities. The union urged the Nagaland government to deploy security forces to prevent unauthorized actions and protect its residents. Additionally, in Manipur, the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee has demanded the dismantling of Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps for Kuki extremist groups, accusing them of violating the 2008 agreement and committing crimes such as extortion, assaults, and village burnings. The committee warned that the presence of these camps threatens communal harmony and national security.
Pinarayi Vijayan Honors V.S. Achuthanandan’s Legacy in Kerala’s Communist Movement
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid tribute to the late Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader V.S. Achuthanandan, highlighting his extraordinary willpower, unwavering political purpose, and a decades-long legacy of fighting injustice. Achuthanandan, who passed away recently, was a centenarian and a key figure in the Communist movement in Kerala. He served as Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, CPI(M) State secretary, and a member of the Polit Bureau for 23 years, among other roles. Achuthanandan was also the Chairperson of the Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission. His life was marked by significant contributions to the socio-political landscape of Kerala, including leading the fight against feudalism, serfdom, casteism, and exploitation during the Colonial era. He was one of the 32 leaders who formed the CPI(M) after the 1964 split and was the last link between the independence movement and contemporary politics. Achuthanandan's leadership in various working-class agitations, including the Punnappara-Vayalar uprising, played a crucial role in shaping Kerala's modern history. He also focused on environmental conservation, human rights, and gender equality, gaining widespread public support.
Two More Arrested in Bharathi Nagar Murder Case Linked to BJP MLA
The Bharathi Nagar police made two additional arrests on Monday in connection with the murder of Shivaprakash, also known as Biklu Shiva, a rowdy-sheeter and realtor. The incident occurred near his residence on Meanee Avenue Road in Bharathi Nagar on the night of July 15. The arrested individuals, Arun Temu and Naveen, reside in R.S. Palya and Banaswadi, respectively. They are accused of playing key roles in the murder, joining a gang that attacked Shivaprakash near his home. Another suspect, R.D. Anil, was also taken into custody for allegedly providing logistic support, including a vehicle used in the attack. Anil is reportedly related to BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, who is accused number five in the case. The police questioned the MLA on July 19 to investigate his alleged involvement and have summoned him again for further questioning on Wednesday. The total number of arrests in the case has now reached seven, while the prime accused, Jagadish alias Jagga, remains at large.
Home Minister Denies Claims of IPS Officers Opting Out of Dharmasthala SIT Probe
Amid rumors that two IPS officers on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged murders and burials in Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district, had requested to be excluded, Home Minister G. Parameshwara denied these claims on Monday. He stated that no SIT member had approached the government or the Home Department to opt out of the investigation. The SIT, formed on Sunday, is led by IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, Director-General of Police, Internal Security Division, and includes M.N. Anucheth, DIG (Recruitment), and IPS officers Sowmyalatha S.K. and Jitendra Kumar Dayama. Parameshwara also addressed criticisms from former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son B.Y. Raghavendra, MP, emphasizing that the investigation was initiated based on public demand and a formal complaint. He stressed the importance of determining the truth behind the allegations of sexual assaults and murders to ensure legal compliance.
Jagdeep Dhankhar Advocates Constructive Politics in Monsoon Session
On July 21, 2025, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that a thriving democracy cannot sustain constant acrimony during his opening remarks at the Monsoon Session of Parliament. He urged political parties to foster mutual respect and avoid personal attacks, highlighting that confrontation is not the essence of politics. Dhankhar stressed that dialogue and discussion, rather than conflict, are essential for progress. His remarks were significant as the Opposition intensified its demands for the Prime Minister to address issues such as the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and U.S. President Donald Trump's claim of mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Dhankhar called for constructive politics and expressed confidence in a productive Monsoon Session. The Rajya Sabha also paid tributes to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and the Air India plane crash on June 12, which claimed 260 lives. Dhankhar praised the armed forces' bravery in Operation Sindoor and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Appointments (1)
V.S. Achuthanandan Appointed Chairman of Kerala's Administrative Reforms Commission
In 2016, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Pinarayi Vijayan appointed V.S. Achuthanandan, a veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and former Chief Minister of Kerala, as the Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC). The appointment, which carried a Cabinet rank, was announced in October 2016. Achuthanandan led the commission until January 2021, during which time it produced 14 detailed reports on various governance issues, including vigilance systems, personnel reforms, capacity development of civil servants, and sustainable development. The first report, submitted in August 2017, recommended the formation of a State Vigilance Commission and a Vigilance Directorate to address corruption. Despite health issues in his late 90s, Achuthanandan remained active in the commission's functions, attending meetings and public hearings. The 12th and 13th reports focused on finance, planning, and secretariat reforms. Achuthanandan resigned in January 2021, expressing hope that the government would act on the commission's recommendations.
Economy (1)
State and Centre Negotiate GST Relief for Small Traders Amid Tax Notices
Small traders and businesses facing notices from the Commercial Taxes Department for non-payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions over the past four years may receive relief if the State and Central governments agree on a resolution. The department has issued notices to over 10,000 businesses, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar estimating the number could rise to 14,000. The State plans to appeal to the Centre to withdraw these notices, attributing the issue to the BJP. Officials stated that any decision on waiving penalties, interest, or tax liabilities must be made in the GST Council, as both State and Central GST are involved. Traders with UPI transactions exceeding ₹40 lakh annually for goods and ₹20 lakh for services have been targeted. Google Pay transactions remain unassessed. The notices cover the period from 2021-2022 to January 2025, with exempted goods including vegetables, fruits, milk, and unbranded foodgrains. Joint Commissioner Meera S. Pandit assured that notices are for communication purposes and will be withdrawn for exempted goods. Similar exercises are underway in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The department has revised the notice format, now intimating traders of transactions over ₹40 lakh requiring GST registration.
Defence (2)
IAF to Conduct Major Military Exercise in Rajasthan from July 23
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a major military exercise from July 23 to July 25, 2023, in Rajasthan, near the India-Pakistan border. The exercise will cover regions from Barmer to Jodhpur and is part of the IAF's routine operational readiness drills. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to ensure the airspace remains clear of civilian aircraft during the drill. The exercise will involve frontline fighter jets such as the Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30, along with advanced air-defence and support systems. Night operations will also be a focus of the drill. This exercise comes amid heightened alertness along the India-Pakistan border, where the IAF is enhancing its strategic preparedness and air defence capabilities. In the past, the region has witnessed Pakistani drone and missile intrusions, particularly during Operation Sindoor, where 413 drone attacks targeting Rajasthan's Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar districts were successfully neutralized by Indian defence forces.
Andhra Pradesh DGP Emphasizes Technology and Public Engagement for Crime Prevention Among Probationary IPS Officers
On Monday, 28 probationary Indian Police Service (IPS) officers undergoing training at the Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad visited Andhra Pradesh as part of a study and cultural tour. During their visit, they met with Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta at the police headquarters in Mangalagiri. DGP Gupta emphasized the importance of leveraging the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to prevent crimes, including cybercrime, drug-related offenses, and crimes against women. He also highlighted the significance of the Sakthi App and other technological tools for traffic control and criminal apprehension. Additionally, Gupta encouraged the officers to learn the local language and engage with the public to maintain law and order effectively. The visit also included a presentation by Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) officials on Amaravati, the state's capital. Senior police officials, including Additional DGP (Law and Order) N. Madhusudhan Reddy and IGP (Operations and Technical Services) Ch. Srikanth, shared their experiences and case studies with the young officers.
Miscellaneous (3)
Mob Attack on Police and Forest Officials in Adilabad District’s Kawal Tiger Zone
Tension gripped Keshavpatnam village in Ichoda mandal of Adilabad district following a violent mob attack on police personnel on Monday, which left three officers injured. The incident occurred during a plantation drive initiated by the Forest Department in the buffer area of the Kawal tiger zone near the village. The police had escorted the Forest Department’s field staff to the reserve forest area on Sunday when the villagers resorted to stone pelting. The Forest Department had previously thwarted an encroachment attempt by suspected land grabbers in the same buffer zone. In response to the attack, Forest officials have lodged a formal police complaint, urging action against those who obstructed the plantation drive. Multiple police teams have been deployed to identify and apprehend the key accused, some of whom remain at large.
IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Indore Due to Technical Snag
An IndiGo flight (6E 813) traveling from Goa International Airport (Dabolim) to Indore made an emergency landing at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore on July 21, 2025, due to a technical alert related to its landing gear. The aircraft, carrying 140 passengers, received an undercarriage warning, prompting the crew to declare a 'full emergency' as a precautionary measure. The flight remained airborne for approximately 25 minutes before landing safely at 5:15 PM, 25 minutes later than its scheduled arrival time of 4:50 PM. Airport director Vipinkant Seth confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe. Following the landing, the aircraft underwent mandatory checks before resuming operations. Fire and medical teams were deployed as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). IndiGo expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and reiterated its commitment to passenger safety.
Andhra Pradesh Sees Heavy Rainfall, Monsoon Deficit Improves Significantly
Andhra Pradesh witnessed significant rainfall on July 20 and 21, leading to a notable drop in maximum temperatures and an improvement in the monsoon deficit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that several areas received over 70 mm of rain during this period. Addanki in Bapatla district, Srungavarapukota in Vizianagaram, and Vijayawada in NTR district recorded the highest rainfall of 90 mm in coastal Andhra Pradesh. In Rayalaseema, areas such as Nandyal, Rajampeta, Nandikotkur, Srikalahasti, and Sullurpeta received more than 6 cm of rainfall. Real-time data from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics highlighted Narsipatnam in Anakapalli district as receiving the highest rainfall at 88.75 mm. The widespread rainfall significantly lowered daytime temperatures, with Bapatla experiencing the steepest drop of 8.6°C. The State’s rainfall deficit improved from 37.5% on July 17 to 22.4% on July 21. From June 1 to date, Andhra Pradesh has received 157.8 mm of rain against the normal average of 203.3 mm. The IMD forecasts the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal by July 24, which is expected to bring more rainfall to the State. The A.P. State Disaster Management Authority has urged the public to remain alert over the next four days.
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